There has been no final decision on when Greece will attempt to issue its first sovereign bond since 2010, although it could be before the end of this week, sources with knowledge of the process have told Kathimerini.

The two options being considered are to return to the international markets on Thursday, a day before German Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to pay a visit to Athens, or to issue the bond the following week, before the Easter weekend.

Some Finance Ministry officials believe that Greece should have already capitalized on the positive mood in the wake of the informal Eurogroup in Athens last week, when the release of further bailout funding was agreed.

However, there are concerns in the government about what impact the scandal involving ex-cabinet secretary Panayiotis Baltakos could have on bond yields.

Moody’s was due to announce its latest rating for Greek debt on Friday but postponed its decision until August.

It is expected that Greece will aim to raise in excess of 2 billion euros, although there has been no final decision on the amount yet. The yield is expected to be between 5 and 5.5 percent.